6 Things You Need To Know Today (July 24, 2017)

1. For optimal heart health, not all plant-based diets are created equal.

A new review that tracked people's diets and heart health for 30 years and counting found that people with a diet high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains (cooked oatmeal and brown rice) suffered fewer heart-related health problems than those who consumed potato-based foods, fruit juices, and refined grains. Perhaps even more interesting was that people who "loaded up on animal products" like meat, cheese, and butter had a lower risk of heart disease than those eating high-glycemic plants. (CBS)

2. Want to live forever? Do these three things.

A new study found that people who never smoked, don't drink heavily, and weren't currently obese lived an average of seven years longer. It's a good reminder that a few simple things can make a dramatic difference. (Science of Us)

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3. Dementia is on the rise, but there's a lot you can do.

By 2050 there will be 131 million people living with dementia globally. That means it's our job to support our brain health as well as we can. According to new research, we can start by cultivating a vibrant social life, seeking help for depression early on, maintaining a healthy weight and blood sugar balance, and exercising regularly. (BBC)

4. We need to take serious efforts to curb our plastic production.

According to a new study out of U.C. –Santa Barbara, since humans began manufacturing synthetic materials in the 1950s, we’ve produced 8 billion tons of plastic—enough to cover the entire country of Argentina. "We cannot continue with business as usual unless we want a planet that is literally covered in plastic," said the lead author. (EurekAlert)

5. Enjoying those sweat sessions in the great outdoors? It may be time to take it inside.

While sweaty workouts certainly have their benefits, if you're spending your summer working out in the extreme heat, it may be time to back off. New research shows that hot weather workouts can have a negative impact on your physiology, leading to lower-energy workouts. (WOWT)

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6. You can be equally healthy, whether you're single or married.

A new study published in the journal Social Science Quarterly compared the health of married people born between 1955 and 1984. The results showed that the health of older married people did improve with marriage, but the effect has diminished over time. The health benefits only affected people who'd been married 10 years or more, and apparently, they were only seen in women. (Science of Us)